Preparing for Your First UTV Ride

Are you about to embark on your first side-by-side ride? Congrats! Owning a UTV is an exciting experience. But it’s important to properly prepare so that you can enjoy a safe and stress-free trail ride. That’s why we created the following guide to preparing for your first side-by-side ride.

Wear Safety Gear

The bare minimum safety gear required for riding in a side-by-side is as follows: helmet, gloves and goggles. 

Even though driving a side-by-side is similar enough to driving a passenger vehicle that you don’t require a special license for it, their open construction means that you need to protect yourself more than you do in a car. UTVs can and do roll over on difficult terrain if precautions aren’t taken, so keep your head safe in a helmet. Goggles will protect your eyes from flying debris kicked up by your tires, particularly if your powersports vehicle lacks a windshield, as many do. Gloves obviously protect your hands and help you keep a grip on the steering wheel. 

Other recommended gear includes long sleeves and pants to protect your skin and sturdy boots that cover your ankles.

Pack Safety Items

You’ll also want to make sure to leave room in your side-by-side for safety gear such as a first aid kit. That way, you can address any minor health issues that come up during the ride, such as any scrapes.

It’s also important to pack a tool kit with spare tire and air pump so that you can repair your vehicle if it takes on minor damage. You’ll be able to fix the issue then and there, rather than needing to haul your UTV to a professional.

Practice In Advance

Before you hit the trail, it’s wise to set aside some time to practice with your UTV. This will help you to get a feel for how it moves both with and without your cargo and passengers. You’ll thank yourself later for the practice when you encounter a difficult patch that you can then traverse safely and with confidence!

Stay Sober

When operating any vehicle, it’s important to be alert, focused and ready to react to obstacles around you. This means staying sober - which also includes avoiding operating a side-by-side if you’re on medications that hamper your ability to drive. 

Drive Smart

You will also want to drive carefully to avoid rolling over your UTV on rough terrain. Don’t take turns too fast or too tightly, and go easy on the gas when you’re reversing and carrying heavy cargo or several passengers. Keep your eyes on the path around you, particularly if many other vehicles are operating in close proximity. 

If you are looking to buy your first UTV, visit Schaeffer’s Motorsports. We carry a variety of side-by-sides for sale. Our dealership is located in Orwigsburg, Pennsylvania, and we also serve those in Allentown.